James Gardner, a licensed appraiser who handles the online auctions at Gardner Galleries, holds a signed copy of a script from the TV sitcom Seinfeld, part of a larger autograph collection compiled by late Londoner Ivan Kasiurak. CHRIS MONTANINI\LONDONER

When you run an auction house like Gardner Galleries, you never know what might come through the door.

But that wasn’t the case with an auction currently online. Grant Gardner, owner of Gardner Galleries, had plenty of conversations with Ivan Kasiurak about the late-Londoner’s collection of autographed memorabilia.

Gardner told Kasiurak to hang on to the collection because it was close to his heart, but after the well-known Londoner passed away New Year’s Day 2018, Ivan’s son returned to Gardner.

Kasiurak collected thousands of autographs over 50 years. Hollywood stars, politicians, athletes, and arts and culture celebrities are all represented.

Late Londoner Ivan Kasiurak in a Postmedia News file photo from 2014. Mike Hensen\Postmedia News What makes Kasiurak’s collection unique was his method of approaching such public figures.

“He contacted celebrities directly,” said Gardner.

Kasiurak wrote to each one, asking them what they thought was their greatest achievement, and included a copy of a magazine or newspaper story about the star for the autograph. Kasiurak also sent a quick biography about himself, mentioning his military services, Gardner said.

Many responded, including Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Nelson Mandela, Donald Trump, Muhammad Ali, Arnold Palmer, Mike Weir and Rock Hudson. Some of the hockey names include Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Doug Gilmour, and Mario Lemieux. Kasiurak’s London Free Press obituary said: “One of the rarer signatures Kasiurak collected was that of Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization from 1969 to 2004. Arafat signed a TIME magazine cover and wrote in Arabic ‘revolution until victory’ over his name.”

“They are unique,” said Gardner. “Many are addressed to Ivan, such as one from Clint Eastwood. He kept the envelope. There is no question they are authentic.”

Trump’s note said simply: “I hope you get rich.”

There is also an autograph from Mitt Romney, but not everyone was keen on responding to Kasiurak’s requests. Ronald Reagan refused to sign – as did Queen Elizabeth.

Some of the names Kasiurak did capture were at the height of their fame; some after their star faded; and a few when they had been disgraced. The result is a huge assortment.

“I spent a long time sorting them out,” said Gardner, who came across a Seinfeld script signed by all four leads.